If you are new to my website, my name is Heli and I am a self-taught artist. I run a small art business where I sell original paintings, art prints, greeting cards, and guide beginners to paint with watercolors. As I became a self-taught artist, I believe everyone can paint and everyone should do at least as a hobby.
In this post, I will be sharing the tools I have used as a beginner watercolor artist and what I use now for practice, commission, and final paintings. The essentials for every watercolor artist are colors, paper, brushes, masking tape, and masking fluid.
The tools I used as a beginner watercolor artist
Watercolors
As a beginner artist, it is advisable not to purchase artist-grade paints. If you have never painted before, first try your hands on student-grade watercolors. As a beginner, I used Camlin's student-grade watercolors.
Paper
When I started out, I didn't know there were so many types of paper available. I ordered a cheap watercolor paper pad from Arto. It was fine and best for beginners.
Brushes
I already had watercolor brushes I used to use in my school from Camlin which I got from a local stationary shop. I am not able to find it on amazon so I am adding similar brushes.
Masking tape and masking fluid
As a beginner, I didn't use masking tape or masking fluid. I should have used them, but I was not focused on them.
Tools I use now
When I began as a watercolor artist, I didn't know there are so many options for paper and colors brushes. I didn't even know the difference between hot-pressed and cold-pressed paper. Later when I started practicing and surfing more about watercolor on the internet, I started to learn more about tools that can improve art skills.
Watercolors
I started using Sennelier and Winsor & Newton colors and that really changed what I have been doing for the last one year. I love the pigment these both brands providing and I have to use so much less amount of paint compared to the student grade paints. Artist-grade paints are costly but they are worth it.
First, I order this cute little Aqua-mini Sennelier tin paint box. I fell in love. These were my first artist-grade colors and later I ordered a few Winsor & Newton watercolor tubes.
Paper
For practice, I use Brustor's sketchbook and 300 GSM cold-pressed watercolor papers.
For commissions and final paintings, I use 300 GSM 100% cotton cold-pressed or hot-pressed paper.
Brushes
I still haven't got a bunch of artist-grade brushes but last year in 2021, I ordered one da Vinci brush and it is pretty amazing. At first, I didn't give much priority to good quality brushes but later, I learned that it is very much important to have good quality brushes as they hold more water.
I still need to explore more in brushes for watercolors which I will do in my art journey and will share with you.
Masking tape and masking fluid
If you want to achieve precise lines around your painting and want to cover up small spots in your painting, these two tools are amazing. I bought masking tape from a local shop near me as they are cheaper than amazon. I got Sennelier's masking fluid last year which I have used in two paintings only.
Which one you should go for?
If you are a beginner and haven't painted before, I would suggest you go for student grade tools as they are cheaper. If you are a beginner and have been painting for some time, I suggest you invest in quality tools because they will improve your experience and the quality of your painting.
I hope you have got some helpful information from this blog. If you want me to compare student-grade tools and artist-grade tools, let me know in the comment below.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
Love,
heli